EastEnders aired some exit scenes for Sonia Fowler tonight, leaving fans wondering whether she had left for good. But have no fear, Sonia is expected to return – her departure came about due to Natalie Cassidy’s maternity leave.

Things seemed a little final as things were tied up pretty neatly for Sonia, with her relationship with Tina Carter well and truly over and the broken relations between her and her daughter Bex fixed before she went.

As she headed off for her new job, Tina was left with the daunting prospect of being alone to care for Sylvie while Bex has moved in with Martin and Stacey (and everyone else who resides in the flat!).

Natalie recently welcomed baby Joanie to her family and will be too busy with the new addition to even think about when she will return – but it has always been stated as a temporary hiatus for Sonia so fans can bank on seeing her again sometime next year.

We wonder what kind of trouble Bex will have gotten in by the time she arrives back…